Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 3:46 p.m.

Man with knife runs down NLR church aisle, police say

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK  An intoxicated man wielding a knife ran down the aisle of a North Little Rock church Tuesday night before officials were able to restrain him and escort him from the premises, police said.

Esker Martin, 43, is facing preliminary charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct and carrying a weapon.

According to a North Little Rock Police Department report, Martin ran down the aisle of First Baptist Church, 2015 Main St., about 8:30 p.m. during a service. Police say he was "yelling and screaming" and for a time had the knife in his hand, dropping it before reaching the front of the church.

According to the report, deacons restrained him there and removed him from the church.

Police made contact with Martin outside, where he was reported to be "very intoxicated" as he yelled obscenities at the deacons. Police say Martin admitted having the knife.

Martin is due in North Little Rock District Court for an initial appearance later Wednesday morning.

Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 total comments

That particular area of NLR is undergoing a negative change. Unprotected by police, drugs. beer, pimps etc rule the area. It needs decent police protection. The store at 18th and Main is a source of beer and thugs and dogs roam the streets. Too bad the city of NLR deserves better.

Durn Right snowmonkey. So much better if he had charged down the aisle with an M16A2. then the minister could have opened up with a M-249 SAW......so much better, and no reason to have any law enforcement officers called. Can't fix stupid...

I remember this young man from elementary school. I had already began to pray for him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.